
after a grim week in Europe, calling on Christians
not to let fear and pessimism "imprison" them.
Speaking amid tight security at the Vatican, the Pope
said: "Let us not allow darkness and fear to distract us
and control our hearts."
His message followed a condemnation on Friday of
the Brussels terror attacks.
Islamist violence is expected to be a prominent
theme of his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" Easter
message.
Many pilgrims cancelled their planned trips to Rome
in the wake of the violence in Brussels, but St Peter's
Basilica in the Vatican was packed when Pope Franciscelebrated mass on Saturday evening.The Pontiff entered a darkened basilica with just a
single candle guiding him. As he reached the altar,
the basilica's floodlights came on to symbolise the
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Delivering his homily, Francis said: "Today is the
celebration of our hope. It is so necessary today."
The lengthy vigil service also included a papal
baptism for 12 adults hailing from China, South Korea
and other countries around the world.
On Sunday morning, Francis will preside over Easter
Mass and offer his annual Easter blessing.
On Friday, he denounced the "terrorist acts
committed by followers of some religions which
profane the name of God and which use the holy
name to justify their unprecedented violence".
Meanwhile, Vatican officials distributed sleeping bags
to 100 homeless people.
The police presence in the streets around the Vatican
has been stepped up this year, as more pilgrims than
usual are expected after Francis declared a jubilee
year for the Catholic Church, calling it a "Holy Year of
Mercy".
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